Mr. Oluwagbenga Abiola, the Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government and a prominent candidate in the July 12 council election, has praised his party’s choice to nominate Abdulganiyu Obasa as the APC’s candidate for the next local government election.
Abiola is a political protégé of Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, the APC leader in Agege and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Abiola reaffirmed his allegiance to Obasa and the party in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to NAN, Agege stakeholders pleaded with Obasa on Monday to permit his son, Abdulganiyu, to run for council chairman.
They contend that this would honor the Speaker’s years of political influence and humanitarian work in Agege.
Abiola responded to allegations that he was under pressure to step down by saying he was still incredibly appreciative of Obasa for influencing his political career.
He promised to always support the Speaker’s leadership and to never disagree with Obasa’s or the party’s direction.
“Let me be clear: I will never oppose my leader, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa,” Abiola said. I was created by this man. When he was elected Speaker in 2015, he designated me as his Special Assistant on Media. On his suggestion to the governor, I was named Agege LG’s sole administrator in 2016. I became Lagos State’s youngest council boss after that assignment.
“In 2017, I became Secretary to the Local Government, and in 2021, Vice Chairman — all through the party’s and Speaker’s support. So tell me, why would I oppose a man who built me politically and helped me grow in experience and influence?”
He admitted his ambition to become Chairman, but insisted he must submit to the party’s collective decision.
“Yes, I aspired. Every Vice Chairman dreams of becoming Chairman. But the party has spoken, and I fully agree. Leaders and stakeholders have united. They’ve asked the Speaker to allow his son to contest. I respect and support that. I stand with Obasa, with APC Agege, and with all decisions taken by the party and stakeholders,” he added.
Abiola noted that service to people was his true goal and believed more opportunities would come in the future.
“I trust my leader. He knows what’s best and can recommend me for even greater responsibilities when the time is right. I’m still young and full of energy. I’ll work for the party and ensure we achieve victory,” he said.
He added that he had instructed members of his Obasa Youth Alliance to fully support the party’s decision.
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